»Academic Probation

Academic probation is a warning you receive after encountering academic difficulty. Students on probation will need to improve their grades to reach good academic standing and avoid academic dismissal.

Any student whose term or institutional GPA at Chapman drops below 2.00 will be placed on academic probation.
Students on academic probation may enroll in no more than 16 semester credits each term they are on probation. This 16-credit limit includes credits taken at Chapman and credits that might be transferred from another institution in each semester.
Students will receive an email from their academic advisor with an Academic Improvement Plan (AIP). You can also access your AIP in the Student Center under "Student Success."
Students on academic probation are required to acknowledge and submit the AIP electronically to lift their advising hold. This hold prevents enrollment and registration for classes.

We recommend all students closely monitor their academic progress to quickly improve poor academic performance. One way to monitor this is through your Mid-term Progress Report notification.

Academic probation resources

No matter the situation that led to being put on academic probation, there are many ways you can make connections with staff, faculty and fellow students who may help you.

As a student on academic probation, the three most important steps you can take are:

Review and acknowledge your Academic Improvement Plan (AIP) to release your advising hold.
Gain as much information as possible about your individual academic situation.
Add or drop classes as recommended in your AIP.
Make an appointment with your academic advisor or email advising@chapman.edu.
Utilize the resources listed below.

Your advisor will make recommendations based on your individual situation, which may include utilizing any or all of the following resources.

Tutoring, Learning, and Testing Center (TLT)

The Tutoring, Learning, and Testing Center provides tutoring for no additional fees in a variety of subjects. You can also take advantage of supplemental instruction in some courses. Also housed in DeMille Hall 130 with the TLT is the Writing Center.

Student Psychological Counseling Services (SPCS)

Student Psychological Counseling Services (SPCS) provide students with counseling services to help them function successfully in the academic environment.

Disability Services

The Disability Services office is designed to help students who have average or above average potential for learning and who exhibit severe difficulties in at least one academic area.

Services are only available after a student has registered and presents certified, current documentation of the disability from a medical or educational specialist.

Dean of Students

The staff of the Dean of Students Office are advocates for student learning. They will work with you to enhance your experience both inside and outside the classroom, and assist you when you are experiencing difficulties that might have a negative impact on your learning.

Courses Repeated for Higher Grades Policy

At Chapman, any undergraduate course numbered 100-499 at Chapman may be repeated to improve the grade.

The lower grade remains on the record with a notation that the course has been repeated.
Only the higher grade and credit are computed in the cumulative GPA (grade point average).
To exercise this option, a student must repeat the same course at Chapman.

GPA Calculator

Using this GPA Calculator, your advisor will show you how your Chapman GPA was calculated, and how you can calculate your required GPA that will put you back in good standing. This tool is useful in calculating cumulative GPA.

Frequently asked questions about academic probation

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Undergraduate students are placed on academic probation if, in any semester, their term or cumulative GPA at Chapman falls below a 2.00 (a "C" average).

Yes, though academic dismissal only occurs if a student has two consecutive semesters of unsatisfactory academic performance. You can read more about academic dismissal here.

Undergraduate students are removed from academic probation and restored to good standing upon achieving a 2.00 GPA in both their term and cumulative GPA at Chapman.

Students on academic probation are limited to 14 or 16 credits, depending on their cumulative GPA. If a student is enrolled in more than 14/16 credits and does not drop courses before the deadline date indicated in their probation letter, the Office of the Registrar will drop the last class the student registered in.

All undergraduate students on academic probation will have an advising hold placed on their account that will only be lifted after the student has reviewed and approved their Academic Improvement Plan (AIP).

Students are generally recommended to repeat failed courses, seek tutoring and request an academic mentor from the Tutoring and Learning Center.

Yes. In fact, this is the quickest way to improve your GPA. When repeating courses, the original grade will remain on your transcript, but only the higher grade will be used in the GPA calculation.

You should meet with your advisor to discuss specific course requirements. See the Courses Repeated Policy in the University Catalog for more specific information or consult your Academic Advisor.

There is no limit to the number of credits that can be repeated.

Any course taken at Chapman must be repeated at Chapman in order to replace the previous grade in your GPA. Any course repeated at another college or university will be averaged in when calculating your GPA.

Note: Credits are only earned once when repeating courses.

No. You do not have to take the class the next semester or with the same instructor. The class must have the same course name and number (e.g., BIOL 204) in order to apply. However, it is a good idea to repeat the class the next semester while the material is fresh in your mind, and to quickly raise your GPA.

Chapman awards will have different requirements for renewal year over year. You can check on how/if your academic probation affects your scholarships with the Office of Undergraduate Financial Aid.

Student-athletes must maintain a minimum 2.0 grade-point average and be enrolled in (and complete) a minimum of 24 units over a full academic year. The NCAA also requires all students must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 academic units when your sport is in season.

Departments are not notified when/if their student workers are put on academic probation, so it does not need to affect your employment status or hours worked.

However, as you put together your plan to return to good academic standing, you might want to consider reducing your employment hours or taking a semester off from your campus job.

Parents are not notified about your academic status.

»Academic Probation

Academic probation resources

Tutoring, Learning, and Testing Center (TLT)

Student Psychological Counseling Services (SPCS)

Disability Services

Dean of Students

Courses Repeated for Higher Grades Policy

GPA Calculator

Frequently asked questions about academic probation

Why did I get placed on academic probation?

Can I be dismissed if I am on academic probation?

How do I get off academic probation?

Can I still register for courses while I'm on academic probation?

What is required of me if I'm on academic probation?

Can I repeat courses for a higher grade in order to improve my GPA?

How many courses can I repeat for a higher grade?

If I earn a "D", "F" or "FW" (failure to withdraw) in a course taken at Chapman, do I have to repeat it at Chapman? Can I repeat it at a community college or another university?

Must I repeat a class the following semester or with the same instructor to use the Courses Repeated for Higher Grades policy?

How will going on academic probation affect any scholarships I have received?

How will going on academic probation affect my standing as an athlete at Chapman?

Will I be able to keep working my campus job while I am on academic probation?

Will my parents find out I was put on academic probation?

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